Arlington Fire simulates rescues in preparation for real calls

Arlington Fire Lieutenant Fred Kawatsky is helping coordinate this drill simulating the rescue of a construction worker or window washer at a high-rise.

"There's a little bit of fear involved in it," explains one firefighter. "And that's what keeps us safe: respecting the aspect that it's something dangerous."

This exercise is one way the department prepares in protecting the most visible skyline in the region – one that keeps expanding with 300 high-rises and buildings above 75 feet, standing across the county with 10 under construction and 17 more in the pipeline.